Why It Matters: The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) has long attended the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) where we connect with state legislators who take interest in natural resource management issues. Providing opportunities for the sportsmen’s community and members of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) to come together and discuss current issues impacting hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, and trapping is critical to ensuring the continuation of our time honored sporting traditions.
Highlights:
- On August 6, CSF hosted a successful policy forum and reception in Louisville, KY where more than 60 attendees gathered for a night of camaraderie and discussed issues ranging from proactive ways to protect conservation funding to recent improvements to public access in Kentucky.
- NASC Executive Council Members Senator Robin Webb (KY), Representative Bill Rehm (NM), Representative Jeff Wardlaw (AR), and Senator David Wilson (AK) were also in attendance and welcomed legislators from over 15 different states and numerous partner organizations.
EC Member Senator Robin Webb welcomed attendees and discussed the recent expansion of public access to Kentucky’s Elk Management Zone. The conservation easement, which is the largest in the history of the State of Kentucky, encompasses 54,000 acres of land important for hunting opportunities but also a myriad of additional outdoor recreational activities. Lack of access is one of the biggest issues facing hunters and anglers today and is the primary reason why people stop participating in those activities or choose not to pursue those activities. In turn, this negatively impacts the “user pays – public benefits” structure of the American System of Conservation Funding. For example, sportsmen and women in Kentucky generated over $60 million in funding for conservation through the ASCF; therefore, Kentucky should be applauded for their efforts in improving access for outdoor recreation.
CSF’s Southeastern States Coordinator Conner Barker addressed the crowd and discussed proactive measures to ensure funding for conservation is protected. One such measure is an initiative that reimburses the state fish and wildlife agency for revenue lost due to the creation of free and discounted hunting licenses. Now, with the inclusion of Louisiana this past legislative session, there are currently 4 states (Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, and Tennessee) that have enacted legislation that reimburses the fish and wildlife agencies for revenue lost from license exemptions/discounts from their state’s respective general fund. These measures are not retroactive, so free and discounted licenses currently on the books at the time of the bill’s passage are not affected. CSF strongly encourages other states to consider adopting similar legislation.
Lastly, attendees were encouraged to attend the 21st Annual NASC Sportsman – Legislator Summit that will be taking place in Baton Rouge, LA from November 19-22. If you’re interested in registering, please click here.
